Anandan, Venkataramani | Engineering Papers

DOE OSTI2021

Challenges for and Pathways toward Li-Metal-Based All-Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries utilizing Li metal anodes have the potential to enable improved performance (specific energy >500 Wh/kg, energy density >1500 Wh/L), safety, recyclability, and potentially lower cost (<$100/kWh) compared to advanced Li-ion systems.1,2 These improvements are critical for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and trucks and could create a short-haul electric aviation industry.1-3 Expectations for solid-state batteries are high, but there are significant materials and processing challenges to overcome.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Phase evolution during lithium–indium halide superionic conductor dehydration

Select rare-earth alkali halides have demonstrated high lithium ion conductivity. The conductivity appears to be related to the stability of the crystal phase, ordering of the lithium sublattice and the amount of residual H 2 O. Li 3 InCl 6 can be synthesized from concentrated aqueous solution through controlled dehydration. In this work, we track Li 3 InCl 6 dehydration using a multimodal approach that combines thermogravimetric, spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction, and neutron scattering techniques. In situ X-ray diffraction suggests a single phase transition caused by dehydration, in disagreement with spectroscopic and thermodynamic measurements. Neutron scattering, being sensitive toward the H 2 O and Li sublattices, reveals multiple phase transitions. We show that the loss of the final trace H 2 O leads to strain and grain boundary formation. Thus, controlled dehydration may be a viable strategy for high-throughput processing for roll-to-roll manufacturing of REAH solid electrolytes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗